Game-changing framing hacks for thrifted frames!

[@melindahajdin]

Artist here. I enjoyed this video, but I need to warn you not to leave masking tape on things, especially vintage or antique things. Masking tape is not acid free or archival, and it will damage that surface over time. There are archival tapes that you can use for framing that will not do this. Lineco is one company that sells these kinds of tapes. They cost a little more than masking tape but are well worth it.

[@REISSUED]

Good to know! I’ll look into it 👍🏻

[@dawsie]

That is so true, I have masking tape on a tray that I was painting timber wolfs on almost 20 years ago, I’m now left with a mess that I have to fix before I can finish painting the timber wolfs. It was put away when my Mom got sick and I had to move back in with my parents to help look after Mom. I totally forgot to remove the tape.

[@SM-ie8gn]

Filmoplast is an archival tape that I used for 40 years.

[@WaningGibbous]

Thank you for this valuable info ❤

[@dianehenry6540]

ANOTHER ARTIST.... If something is important to you, PLEASE use a good framer, who will use archival materials that will not discolour over time.

[@LaLadybug2011]

When I buy framed art from thrift stores, garage sales or estate sales I take them completely apart, outside, when I get home. This is to prevent creepy crawling things from getting into my house. If things were stored somewhere before being put up for sale-you can have spiders, roach eggs, and even bed bugs. Usually the glass is filthy and it's much better to take the art out and glass out of the frame to clean, fix scratches, re-stain or paint. This is relaxing and fun to me and it's fun to see others do it as well! Came back to edit and add this-sometimes a frame is so beautiful, I have non-distortion mirror cut to fit in the frame. Happy art hunting y'all.

[@clmclachlan]

Artist and former picture framer here - paper media requires special care and a special environment in order for original work to not deteriorate in time. Paper is made by removing the lignin from wood pulp - this requires the use of acids that remain in the paper product. Over time these acids react with moisture in the air and begin to burn the paper. This is why paper yellows, browns, brittles and falls apart over time. The cheaper the paper, the higher the acid content (newsprint). So it's very important that works on paper be adhered by and surrounded by acid-free media - usually linen or cotton based mats, hinges and backing boards. If you look at the cut bevel of a mat board you can tell if it's paper or cotton due to the color of the fibers showing - a beige or tan fiber is paper and a cotton fiber is pure white. If you are repurposing an old paper mat board like shown here, seal the beveled cut edge with acrylic paint or lacquer - anything that will stop the acid from "breathing" onto the work. Just wrapping it in fabric won't be sufficient barrier. Over time the acid will eat the fabric as well. The cut edge is the most toxic part of the mat board. Ironically. Hope this helps.

[@sonyaj66]

Fellow artist and DIY framer/refurbisher here - thank you for sharing the tip about sealing the beveled edge of the matboard with something to prevent the acid from it from damaging the paper down the line. That's a great tip, and something I'd never thought about! I don't use mats a lot for my larger pastel paintings, but I always buy acid-free mats for smaller pieces that I sell matted to standard sizes (customers don't like to deal with buying un-matted, unframed pastel paintings). Most of these aren't the top-of-the-line archival quality, but probably won't start to yellow within a few years like the cheapest Crescent boards do. Nonetheless, sealing the bevel and even extending it around the inside of the mat maybe an inch where the paper will contact seems like a great idea. I hope our guy in this video takes the suggestions and buys some acid free framer's tape for his artwork! It makes me cringe seeing him use any type of masking tape on any of those prints.

[@clmclachlan]

@@sonyaj66 Thanks for the feedback. Crescent does make a "Ph Neutral" paper matboard, where the acid is buffered with an alkaline substance (probably sodium bicarbonate) which is economica l, but it's still inferior IMO to Bainbridge cotton or linen. I'm with you about the masking tape I just about hollered but then realized dude is doing his best here with what he has. He can always fix it. I am looking right now at pieces I created in 1981 and they are in as good condition now as when I made them. Pro tip: never use corrugated cardboard as backing always use archival fomecore.

[@sonyaj66]

@@clmclachlan Yeah, "Ph Neutral" is probably what they're calling "acid-free", which are not the same thing. I always figure it's suspect to assume that, but I figure it's probably better than the mats that don't make any claim. I have some drawings I did in college ('85) that were framed with non-archival mats for over 30 years, and you can see the acid burns around the edges touching the mats. I'm not sure how many of us even knew any better back then! I either use foamboard or plastic corrugated signboard material for backing...cardboard is the WORST! But I agree: Andrew is really doing a good job with his re-framing/matting, but he should replace the masking tape ASAP, because it can easily tear paper if left on for even a few weeks. I love refurbishing picture frames, although a lot of that came about out of necessity: frames are prohibitively $$ for a lot of artists, even some of the nicer ready-made plein air frames (like what King of Frame sells). I just can't afford a $72 frame for a 5x7" painting, esp. if I'm hoping to sell it. I have a Logan mat cutter and point driver, and glass cutter, so I often go to thrift stores looking for non-glare glass in junk frames to cut to sizes I use. DIY framing and glass cutting has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.

[@lindakinville7037]

Great info

[@danielpreilly77]

solid tips here, thanks

[@baash]

Instead of buying glass at Lowe's try a local glass dealer. I have found they usually have spare glass on hand and can cut it to size for much cheaper. My last standard size glass 8x10 was $3 plus tax. The glass dealer I had even cleaned the glass and double checked my frame inset size. I have used them several times over the years. As a seller of window, table tops, etc, they always seem to have a spare piece laying around. If you don't want to tape off the glass to protect it from paint, try inserting card stock into the area between the glass and frame. Any old junk sales flyer will work too as the paper is generally heavy duty. Great job reusing and modifying the frames.

[@REISSUED]

Fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@shirleymcdonald7008]

Or, since it was a standard size, you could have gotten a very cheap frame from the thrift store that had a frame that was too ugly to use for reframing, but had a good piece of glass.

[@jonpoulda3362]

Friendly tip… Invest in a roll of acid free tape. It hurt my heart to watch you stick blue painter’s tape on the back of your friend’s beautiful artwork! Over time, the adhesive in the painter’s tape will leave a yellow mark that can leech through the paper. I’m a former custom framer and have seen many tape mishaps.

[@jonpoulda3362]

@@wahdurci Wrong. Acid free tape is fine.

[@jonpoulda3362]

@@wahdurci Nope, sorry, you’re wrong. A PH neutral tape (acid free) will not damage artwork. I have been using it for well over 30 years.

[@jonpoulda3362]

@@wahdurci …as have I, and have never seen artwork damaged by acid free tape. Sorry dude, you won’t change my mind on this. Acid free tape is absolutely safe, not to mention logical, for him to use. Not every piece of artwork needs the nonsense you’re suggesting. Acid free tape will serve his purposes. A good framer understands this.

[@jonpoulda3362]

@@wahdurci Not from acid free tape you haven’t. Lol! Stop being such a drama queen. For his purposes, acid free tape is just fine. The worst framers are those who try to push museum quality conservation framing on people who do not need it.

[@jonpoulda3362]

@@wahdurci You’re projecting. Please refer to my previous comment.

[@emanueladadarlat3159]

10:24 "Haaaa....are you art?" The most adorable thing ...and the way he/she glances at you. Precious.

[@alvinhealingrooms183]

My mom was an antique dealer and kept frames and art pieces and married them to keep or to sell. She sometimes bought inexpensive frames solely for the glass so she could have inexpensive glass on hand. Sometimes she would find a piece with glass missing or broken and have just what she needed on hand.

[@sharonwilbourne7256]

I have several suggestions and cautions that will help you with your reframing projects. Iron the material first for a crisper, non-wrinkled surface and edges. Hang the material to make sure it is completely dry before using. You should let the glues or paints completely dry before enclosing the artwork. This will help avoid or delay mold growth. Try not to place tape directly on your artwork because the glues and resins in the tape can damage the art over time. Instead of taping directly on the artwork to hold it in place. If you must use tape use a neutral color or masking tape similar to the color to the art. You can get really low residue tape at art supply stores or your local hardware to anchor it. Tape resins can degrade and discolor over time and leach the color out of your pictures because these resins are volatiles, they will breakdown over time. There is a technique that creates corner which can hold the ary in place. Art stores sell a special tape or glue or envelope type corners or make your own corners or little pockets you can glue or tape to the matting to hold the artworks. After cleaning the glass it must dry throughly before replacing it in the frame. Don't spray the glass directly because the fluid will flow to the lowest point and collect. This can cause harm to the frame or the art. Instead lightly spray the cloth with the cleaner before using. If you can remove the glass from the frame even better. The wood, cardboard, and matting found in older frames are usually very dry. They tend to suck up any moisture like a sponge. If the matt gets the least bit wet, especially those with the darker colors, the colors will run. This information is all based on past experience. Things might have changed.

[@LaLadybug2011]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing with all of us here.

[@dawsie]

There is archival double sided tape that can be used in place of painters tape. As for backing tape there is brown gum tape that is used in picture frames. Never keep any type of masking tape on any artwork, it turns yellow and will damage the artwork. Keep painters tape for the job it’s meant for like putting it on the glass before you paint the frame. If the art work has been glued down to the mat board try using a hair dryer to heat up the glue that way you can seperate them. Use chalk to dust over the glue once separated to stop it from sticking to anything else in the future.

[@eiwamiya8928]

This comment deserves to be the top one! I didn’t know about the chalk dust, that’s really genius!

[@julianne089]

Great content! Many DIY content creators recommend using old frames but don’t talk about the obstacles and ways to overcome them! I’ve been doing this for years and still learned new things, thanks! You might consider using archival tape rather than any other kinds of tape especially for things like the original art work! It’s not expensive at all. My other suggestion might be to try Restorafinish for wood frames. It can sometimes even eliminate many scratches and nicks! The one you did with the sanding and stain is the kind of one that might be a good candidate to try that first. It’s also not expensive at all, and no need to find matching stain! Really like that stuff!

[@rickgarms7656]

I have to agree with julianne089. The adhesives in commercial (paint grade) tape are not acid free and may discolor through an original paper artwork. An acid-free linen artist mounting tape is much better in the long term. I love Mark Rothko's work. But it's sad you had to sacrifice the Georgia O'Keefe poppy-stamp poster to achieve that goal. If you are going to reuse wooden frames, I would suggest getting a box of 'push-type' glaziers' points to replace the staples and or framer's points. (the diamond shaped retention points) Or... bite the bullet and get a framing gun (like a stapler) that shoots the diamond shaped framers' points. Not terribly expensive. One last hint: when attaching fabric to wood or paper, you might even try 3M 77 spray adhesive. It allows for great-permanent contact without all the fussing. Just be sure and use in a well-ventilated area. Cheers Andrew to another fun vlog.

[@melindahajdin]

Yes, thank you. Too many people don't know that non-archival tapes degrade over time.

[@trentdotson1522]

These look great in your house! One suggestion: use spray glue (on the front of the mat) to cover mat with fabric. Also, I second the suggestions about using archival/framer’s tape on your artwork-find it at Michael’s/Hobby Lobby. One other tip and I’ll shut up: for metal frames you only need to detach the bottom piece to slide the frame on and off the artwork and glass (this is how framers do it).

[@prosie1968]

This is project is so similar to how I frame my art work. I found a numbered print at a store for a few dollars, then found a quarter sawn oak vintage frame for two bucks. It’s one of my favorite finds. I use fabric behind textiles that I’ve framed but I love the fabric covered mats. I’m always on the lookout for frames and art. I love your ideas and your eclectic collection of art.

[@sleepinglioness5754]

I wear the thin vinyl gloves which ensures no fingerprints are on the inside....so you don't have to take it apart again! Good video. Reissuing art is a thrill to do. Thanks for showing how it's done.

[@suecox2308]

I liket o stick those little felt furniture slider discs on the back of my framed pictures (one on each corner); it protects the wall behind the picture from any scuffs if the frame should move.

[@esmeraldagreen1992]

The small square picture at the beginning of the video depicts Venice, and the creature on the right is the lion of San Marco (Saint Mark's lion) the symbol of Venice.

[@greggschroeder]

I love this piece. Thanks for explaining it.

[@katief510]

You’ve given me many ideas. The warmth you brought out in the Picasso by swapping out the blue was beautiful

[@yunglynda1326]

i've glued velvet (probably synthetic) onto a mat for a deep rich look❤

[@swordscot]

Some great ideas there. Never really thought of using material as an option to change the colour of a matting board. Custom framing prices here in Australia are insane, so nice to see some alternatives.

[@xingcat]

I love the fabric matting! One tool I think anyone who likes to reframe things a lot I'd recommend is a framing staple gun. It shoots the little triangular tabs into the frame, and it makes framing everything so much easier. Also, a matte cutter, but good ones can be pricey. But custom matting can be easy, once you know the process and the math involved.

[@Earthy-Artist]

I have one of those framing staplers your referring to and it's great, dreaming of a Logan mat cutter.

[@REISSUED]

Good to know!

[@yunglynda1326]

the tabs are called framer's points🙂

[@KatherineYoung]

I suggest keeping a retractable measuring tape with you when thrifting (the kind used for garments) when looking for frames. I also write down the measurements of art I have in my notes ap. This takes the guessing out of it. I have found the perfect frame for art so many times and it just took a little preplanning.

[@REISSUED]

Great ideas!

[@roundcrouton]

You can use the paper ones you get from ikea. You can get as many as you want for free and don't need to worry about losing them.

[@Zarga8]

Yes, I do that too😊

[@phillipschmidtpottery]

That original drawing of the lady with the gold frame is killer!

[@alisontagita4240]

Thank you! I have already subscribed to your channel and I am not even through this video! I have had collected frames and artwork for a few years and they have been staring at me begging to be SEEN! Your video is GREATLY appreciated, all my answers for me to get started. Many thanks!!

[@rebekahbardsley5947]

Hi Andrew, I am seeing you for the first time ever on June 10th. I do not know of your interested in building/creating little things but my Dad taught me how to make frames when I was about 10 using moldings. I do not know if you live near a Home Depot but, they have a free wood scrap bin. Anything under a foot is free. It will have a bar code sticky on it to scan to show it's free. When I need to make a small frame I go to the scrap bin hoping to find matching scrap pieces. If I cannot I just buy a piece of molding. I have a miter box and a saw. Or if you have a mini table saw which I recently ordered they are great. A friend recently painted a small scale painting for me and next weekend I will go raid the bin. I mostly like to stain wood and not paint it and my favorite stain is Golden Oak by Min Wax. I need to get to work. I am at my job 20 years last week. I am the only female in my Parts Dept (auto parts) and right now I am doing a large Field Disposal. I am hoping to find engine oil seals as they are copper and I make cool pieces of jewelry out of them. I do not know if you like industrial style frames but, if you take silver colored washers, nuts, etc and glue them to the corners of your frame in a cool pattern they are really neat. I will check more out on your site in my lunch hour. I need to clock in. Have a great day!

[@timhazeltine3256]

Great tutorial. As you likely know the Renaissance inspired artwork depicts St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. The artwork's animal is a lion, which is the symbol of St. Mark the Evangelist.

[@REISSUED]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@zepplowe]

Imagine my surprise when I came the house from working on upcycling thrift store frames in my studio and this video is on my feed! I like using Scotch Removable Tape for attaching delicate paper to mats or protecting bevel edges when painting mats etc... Queenie taking center stage on the floor when you're trying to work reminds me of my dogs, too cute! The frames turned out great!

[@melindahajdin]

Scotch tape is not archival. Any tape that is not archival will degrade over time and may damage the surface.

[@zepplowe]

@@melindahajdin well sure, but neither is the painters tape he used. I guess it depends on the application and value of the piece. The scotch removable tape is photo safe and won't tear paper/ mats when removed. I use it mostly masking when painting a mat.

[@Jj85741]

Hi Andrew. Great job. on a side note, I have seen many other commenters on other KZbinr videos regarding Betterhelp. I don’t know the details but the FTC raised concerns over their privacy and data protection. Just informing whether you are aware of this. You and once said you would only like to take sponsorships for companies that are meaningful. Several KZbinrs have been called out but are bound by long term contracts. No shade, just letting you know. Here to support you regardless 😊

[@luciollelsa]

I'm impressed I never thought painting the mat could work so well, and I love the natural color & texture of the fabric you used to cover the mats, I myself also have way too much art for my wall spaces and I too as well a frame hoarder, framing can be so expensive. I just had a 45" X 18" lithograph of Bev Doolittle framed at half price (fortunately) at Michael's and it still cost me $500. but it's custom and the frame is not only perfect for the picture but it's also gorgeous wood. I like your channel I can't wait to see more, thank you, from Québec ⚜

[@ssoozee]

Just found you, Andrew! I adore your channel, especially because I have a pile of vintage frames I need to update. Can’t wait to see more of your videos!

[@REISSUED]

So glad you found me! Good luck with your pile!

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

LOL, Cheap Hobby Lobby frame. That's redundant. Also LOVE how often you mentioned Restore, the Habitat for Humanity shops. They are such a great cause, and a great resource so thanks for boosting them.

[@MaryDeanDotCom]

Love this. Not all art needs to be archival and last 200 years. Have fun with it. I like to decorate the mat, write words around the border, put excerpts from an ancester’s WW1 letters right next to his photo, use markers to “hand tint“ black-and-white photos, even add speech bubble to create conversations between the subjects in the frame. The next steps in your DIY journey should be (1) getting a mat cutter, (2) getting one of those stapler-like tools that shoot those bendy metal tabs into place, and (3) learning to cut glass to size, which is easy… You basically just scratch it along the desired line and then snap it…while wearing safety glasses, of course. No need to spend big money for glass when there are huge frames filled with it at the thrift store. You can even sand the edges of glass to make it fit the frame perfectly, and prevent bloody fingers. I really liked your idea of using your wall paint. You could mix in other colors to tint it for some really subtle effects. Fun! And when you run out of wall space, customized framed art is a perfect gift, too.

[@Glim246]

Free wheeling artist....I love it😃

[@alemapretsof]

Now that sounds like FUN Art!

[@valeriecoopet9897]

The new mats on the Picasso and that devil head prints made the colors look so much richer. The floral one too! Well done!

[@flanzella]

Vintage frames will be the DEATH OF ME! Hopefilly this was super helpful for others trying to tackle them 😊 the final results are stunning ❤️

[@REISSUED]

Haha I was thinking about you and all you went through on your thrifted piece for our collab video! But it was sooo worth it 🙌🏻

[@flanzella]

Glad it got there 😊 can't wait to see it in your space!

[@TeresaOneill-h2m]

Great ideas! Thank you for sharing. I am happy to see another person who is working with thrifted frames to showcase their favorite pieces of art! Who knew, I thought it was just me.

[@FS-mc3cs]

In one of the prints you showed - it's not a 'creature' it's a winged lion symbol St. Mark - and the setting in the print is of St, Mark's Square in Venice. St. Mark was said to have been visited in a dream by an angel in the form of a winged lion, where it exclaimed in Latin “Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus, hic requiescet corpus tuum” (“Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist. Here will rest your body”). Mark later died in Egypt, but in the 9th century two Venetian merchants offered the relics of St. Mark to the Doge of Venice. A grand basilica which still stands today was built next to the Doge’s palace to house the relics and the winged lion of St. Mark became a symbol of the city. The winged lion of St. Mark is seen in the city’s coat of arms and on coinage. Ya welcome! So, when you view the print you will have a deep and now a meaningful experience!

[@AndyMartinMakes]

Thanks for sharing your process. Great to see you giving these frames new life.

[@kuttfam0191]

I love the idea of covering the mats with fabric! I have painted mats, but never thought to cover them. Thank you for this amazing How-To video.

[@NeiveVeve]

Oh gosh, this is what I need to do! Pull out all my thrifted art and frames, redo them, and get them ready to hang!

[@Southeastgeorgiapeach]

New subscriber. I am impressed that someone your age buys frames from thrift stores and restores. I have a plethora of frames that I buy regularly at thrift stores as well. I also look for frames with custom mats already in them. Liked the way you covered the mat was ingenious! I will be trying that trick as well. Great art work and frames saved from landfills. 🙌🙌🙌

[@LSinclair]

This was wonderfully inspiring and confirming! I thrifted one beautiful frame and painted something for it,and I wish we had more thrift shops here, but I’ll check our Restore! Also I just bought that same Rothko print and i absolutely love it! But it’s not a standard frame size, so I’ll make my own mat as you did (acid or not) and cover in fabric! Really excited 👍🏼. Really enjoyed your content. First timer and subbed immediately. Thank you for all these ideas and encouragement!!

[@PCHPatti]

Boy what great and helpful comments. Lots of experience framers to learn from. I echo the comments about using the blue painters tape. Ouch! Use brown gum tape instead (water based glue). And only tack down at to upper corners to allow for the paper to expand/contract with the moisture in the air (or the paper will buckle in the frame). Mats are designed to allow for air and to keep the air from touching the glass (not important for cheap poster art). A great way to use thrift store frames, is to deconstruct the frame and recut the meters to fit the art you are framing (buy the larger frames so you have some wiggle room)! Keep inspiring your followers!

[@NathalieJulien]

I realize framing is a mysterious beast to most people, but I think the professional framers watching this had their eyes closed in horror for half of it.

[@dusty1754]

I love the varied yet cohesive "patina" you've achieved throughout your projects. It looks/feels like eccentric old money to me. In the best way possible.

[@REISSUED]

Thank you! I was definitely going for more of a vintage vibe and I’m glad that came through!

[@DrMaryVision]

Minwax gelstain. It comes in many stain colors. I have used it dozens of times on everything from kitchen cabinets to baseboards to frames. It lasts forever and has no real sheen. It will change your life. Remember that the eye sees contrast so if you can disguise it you can “look” right past flaws and scratches. This keeps stuff out of the landfill and lets us enjoy it without replacing and wasting our resources!

[@leejacobs3620]

Thank you for sharing. I hadn't thought of covering tired matting with fabric, will definitely give it a go.

[@kedrynevans6240]

I love your ideas for repurposing those frames, they turned out great! Thank you for sharing this, I try to reuse everything I can for my art but I want them to still look professional. I'd never thought of fabric for the matte- I will be trying that out soon, I'm sure. I appreciate that you shared the video link for that idea. Thanks for sharing your ideas and the things that worked as well as what didn't.

[@jackandjill9065]

Thanks for the video!🥰 I love to go to the dollar days at thrift stores and buy their art. I’ve gotten many huge pieces for a dollar! Custom framing for some of the ones I have on hand would literally cost hundreds! I’ve been painting mats and even frames for a while. It is so therapeutic! I do a poem that incorporates the information of the birth of a baby for gifts and my frames are hardly ever over $1. A ho~hum dollar store frame looks like an expensive one with a little disinfectant, paint, and good quality art!

[@IrishRnr56]

Andrew, you have very nice artwork and it's wonderful that you have the skill and patience (esp patience) to make over the frames. Well done!

[@danielpreilly77]

Quick tip, if you ever end up getting a miter saw, for cutting clean 45 degree angles, make sure to set up a saw stop to ensure the opposite lengths are exactly the same. If you have frame lengths the same, it will help you get the tight corners. Hope that makes sense. New to the channel, cutting glass is also super easy, score it with a glass cutter the right way and it breaks clean.

[@margeanderson2918]

Love your Venice print - the “strange creature” is the Venetian winged lion, the symbol of St. Mark, patron saint of Venice

[@ellenl5626]

Lots of great ideas, and I love how your doggie managed to insert himself into the video!

[@mygoldennotebook2191]

In no way could I be called a do-it-yourselfer, but your videos are like opium: they make me dream that even I could do it. Thank you!

[@REISSUED]

Haha you can do it!

[@ThrifterPicker]

You can learn by watching and practicing. Gotta start somewhere 😀

[@johnrobertd748]

You can, just do

[@Earthy-Artist]

Good to see you Andrew, and your little 🖤Queenie🖤! She is a work of perfection sitting in that frame. I have some catching up to do on on your recent videos I've missed, life's gotten in the way. I have an acute frame hoarding problem as well 😆.

[@MrHuismeester]

Nice video, nice voice over and nice music..and of top of that great Art pieces in a ( new ) frame !!! Amazing to see so many different ways to re-frame paintings to make them so much nicer in a new spectrum !! Like a said love your Channel and thank so much for sharing !!

[@fannylang6525]

I love your method for hanging and displaying the bolts of fabric in your home. I have some too that I always think I’d enjoying being able to see and not hide away. Is that a diy project or did you purchase the pieces? It’s so nice to see a young man care about his space, to make it his own.

[@mistygeller3193]

Oh my goodness they all turned out just beautifully!! Very nice!! And great tips too! Great job sweetie 😊 You do such a fantastic job of pulling things together and creating the best spaces. I just love seeing what you come up with!

[@debbiesmith526]

My husband paints and I’ve been picking up frames at the thrift store for a few dollars and reworking them! Thank you for your great ideas! I will incorporate them into our pieces.

[@returnofthemac1000]

That botanical print with the green velvet turned out gorgeous.

[@milliehouston1089]

What a nice reissued look on the frames

[@michellezevenaar]

The purple flowers are awesome! Great combination.

[@AbigailsArtfulAbode]

It's been awhile since I've been on your channel but I'm feeling crafty today and thought I'd get some inspiration from you. So happy that you're channel is growing and finding a following! Very happy for you.

[@franciemontgomery2935]

Informative and inspirational! Oh Queenie, you ARE a work of art! ❤

[@lynseypeters]

They all look great. Love thrifting frames and artwork so some great tips and ideas 🤎

[@sandymayes8475]

They all look great, but Queenie was truly a work of art in that frame!

[@nemmie007]

I used to put on 2 art shows a year using thrift store frames and often times I'd paint the matt with acrylic paint and it worked like a charm!

[@REISSUED]

That’s awesome!

[@lindap9079]

A fabric covered mat is a new idea to me, and I love it. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@ChristinaMcIvorTina]

Yes you did!! What you accomplished saved you hundreds of dollars. Here in Canada, custom framing is over the top expensive. My gallery wall was done with all thrifted frames too, a long and frustrating process but so satisfying when finished.

[@chardijensen690]

they are all so lovely. I am addicted to frames and artwork.

[@lydiakinnaman3679]

Puppy master piece is fabulous..my favorite. Awesome work. Good to know on the art tape. Loved the idea of fabric mat.

[@MsjMacQ]

Timing!! I picked up an armful of pre-loved frames from our local “tip shop” a few days ago. KZbin must have known and “gave” me your video while I was researching soap making. Go figure. 😂 Your honest walk through of your project has given me the confidence to move ahead with mine. 🥳

[@stacykellow8888]

Nice job on everything!! Thank you for sharing these clever, thrifty methods to upscale your beautiful art.

[@tammyjackson-gq6jj]

You can use wax shoe polish to cover up scratches or to give a cheap frame and antique look.

[@REISSUED]

I’ll have to try that! Thanks for the tip!

[@kleptomelly]

I thrift a lot of frames as well. I purchased a point driver and it has been so helpful when reusing frames. I don't have to worry about reusing the old points/staples and can replace them if needed. Highly recommend if you reuse lots of frames.

[@lyndioli]

What a difference made by adding a new mat n frame!!! Great choices you made!👍🖼️

[@tango780]

Love what you've done!!! Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us❣

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Great tips! First time watching. Adding my own: another source for frames is FB marketplace, especially near end of month when people are moving and may be offering large artwork free or very cheap. I’m always surprised when it - or even art I’ve offered- isn’t taken because even the cost of a large piece of glass is expensive. To refresh metallics there’s also a product called Rub and Buff. Haven’t used but have heard from others who have on furniture.

[@beccaBryan07]

I think that fabric spray glue would work really well for the fabric mat for both back and front and to hold it in place beforehand.

[@DRamos-vq5tb]

The best option is wood and Goodwill always has a lot of items for sale. Find one a little bit out of your way sometimes they’re worth going to. and you’re helping the environment you’re not buying new

[@bari2883]

Love your friends art work it’s amazing. Looks so good in the frame. You’ve inspired me to hang my Picasso 1940s sweethearts embrace print. It came from the museum of Chicago and I scored it for $3 in Australia at the Salvation Army thrift store.

[@alicejump2290]

Your tips are life changing! Will be painting and also fabric covering mats !

[@KellyONealCreative]

Hey, neighbor! Fellow Georgian (and artist) here. Great video. Thanks!

[@KellyElizabeth1]

To cover up shiny plastic gold trim on thrifted frames I hit it with a little Rub n Buff. It isn’t as messy as using a brush with gold leaf paint and the result is great.

[@deborahharris2962]

Im in the middle of doing similar. You helped me with painting the aged bit and the painting. Thanks heaps. 👋💯✅

[@christinewilliams7005]

Good ideas and suggestions - thanks for sharing!

[@maryoconnell3857]

Thank you for a very useful, helpful video! I'm working on a headboard where I want to use frames, and your video gave me some good ideas! Enjoy your Italy trip!

[@jodyslater6969]

Just found you today👏🏼👏🏼 I to have a very varied collection of frames that I have picked up from Op shops etc.. I also have far to many prints sitting in tubes waiting to be framed!! Very eclectic collection!! I am moving into my new house and will be dragging everything out and laying it down through different eyes!! Thank you for this video 🥰

[@junecarrothers5970]

GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM A "RECYCLER" SO I WAS REALLY INTERESTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS!!

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love the botanical print in that frame! Lovely

[@sbyerley]

You have a great aesthetic-happy to find your site. Thanks.

[@debramenta7207]

I really enjoy watching your creative genius in action. Love the video❣

[@eliser9776]

Great video. I love how your leveled up all the looks.

[@kateh4030]

You could try starch paste to get a smooth bond for the fabric covering

[@REISSUED]

Great idea!

[@PaullyMiller]

Looks great. Andrew, you might really like Briwax. It darkens in scratches and overlays tone, so on the frame you painted with the gold leaf, the tudor brown might have knocked the yellowiness of the brass down and made the wood look richer. It stinks and requires elbow grease, but the sheen and tone is great.

[@juanramos.jr.7948]

Wow! Great video! Everything looked great!❤😊

[@debbydhill]

They all turned out great!

[@kathleenflanagan9141]

Thanks l am always collecting one of a kind frames to redo.... this has been so helpful

[@juliec4750]

I’m just here to say I LOVE how the botanical turned out. 🙌🏼

[@REISSUED]

Thanks Julie!

[@amystewart177]

I love changing up my art too. Yours looks awesome!

[@starcupcake100]

I am also compulsively collecting frames and vintage art!! Love your videos 😍

[@badaliceandcharlie]

Others have mentioned the problems with using painters tape on paper products and like me gasped at the hot glue, which gets old and brittle. I've been used thrifted frames for years, I love to restore them or paint them or generally upgrade them. When it comes to the fabric on the matts, there is a double sided tape which is transparent but comes on a red roll in various widths which is way stronger than the one you used. I probably would have cleaned the inside of the glass, before putting the art in. I really liked the poster with the red stamps which you took out of the metal frame. You can also measure the frame and get a matt cut at a framers for just a few $$$, for the pieces that are a really unusual size. Clear sticking tape will yellow with age and this can soak through to the front of the art and painters tape will lose it's adherence. There is also an artist's brown tape which looks way better on the back than painters tape. There are also some glue sticks which are stronger than the school type ones. Check collage supplies. Friends of mine were only yesterday going through my thrifted framed looking for one for a painting.

[@tfntexas]

These turned out super great and I love the “Reissued” version!

[@emmajohnson6955]

My favorite photo is an old black and white of my sister and I ,she framed it in a silver framed it will always be my favorite.